Syria says Washington informed it before strikes

Syria said Tuesday that Washington informed President Bashar Assad's government before a U.S.-led military coalition launched airstrikes pounding strongholds of the Islamic State extremists across northern and eastern Syria.

Damascus appeared to be trying to position itself as on the side of the international coalition.

United Nations

Actions draw

Ban's approval

In opening remarks at a climate summit news conference Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged world leaders gathered in New York “to come together decisively” in support of efforts to confront extremist groups.

Ban cautioned, however, that parties involved in the airstrikes must take all precautions to avoid and minimize civilian casualties.

Washington, D.C.

Obama hails

attacks, allies

President Barack Obama on Tuesday hailed the U.S.-led coalition that conducted airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, declaring, “We're going to do what is necessary to take the fight to this terrorist group.”

Obama emphasized that the extensive operation had included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

“America is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these nations on behalf of our common security,” Obama said. “The strength of this coalition makes clear to the world that this is not just America's fight alone.”

Washington, D.C.

Officials cite

legal basis

Senior Obama administration officials said Tuesday that the airstrikes in Syria, without permission from its government or the U.N. Security Council, were legal because they were done in defense of Iraq. Iraq asked the U.S. for assistance in defending itself against the Islamic State because the militant group was attacking Iraq from its havens in Syria, the senior administration officials said.